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Perspectives from a doer & donor catalyst.
Dig into our blog for free, practical advice to build your nonprofit or foundation brand — from the inside out.
We glean these insights through real-world engagements. Write our content with communications leaders and first-time CEOs in mind. And as a field builder, share our expertise widely to guide organizations on both sides of the grant.
AI tools for nonprofit brands.
73% of marketers now use generative artificial intelligence (AI). For resource-strapped nonprofits, AI promises to revolutionize how we build brands. But most leaders only know ChatGPT. So we curated the 40 best platforms for your brand, from design to marcom.
Brand first, funding second.
Nonprofit leaders have countless necessary priorities. But funding isn’t #1. Because brand is strategy; fundraising is execution. And a foundation’s most valuable asset is not its money. Instead, brand is the best investment. A contrarian point of view. So let us try to convince you.
Our new theory of change course on Acumen Academy.
Theory of Change for Brand Communications is an on-demand workshop based on our proprietary process. Led by Co-founder Evan Wanjiru. Developed for 1.2 million leaders in 193 countries. And free for you. Learn how to build a social venture brand from the inside out.
An inside-out brand: the Four A’s framework.
Theory of change: brand ambition.
Positioning strategy: brand approach.
Marketing communications: amplify your brand.
Strategic planning: align your brand.
Pitch deck: it’s not as difficult as you think.
Nonprofits and social enterprises must get better at pitching… if they want to get better at fundraising… so they can get better at creating impact. The Mighty Ally pitch deck format is based on story arc best practices and our years of brand-building experience. Five sections, that’s it.
The power of problems.
When asked what you do, don’t actually start your pitch with what you do. Because a problem statement from your theory of change is the first, most powerful step in comms. People must understand the issue before caring about your mission. So hit them with the problem you solve, first.
The beginner’s guide to messaging & storytelling.
Social entrepreneurs are often incapable of explaining their work clearly. So we created a beginner’s guide to messaging and storytelling. What it is, why it matters, and how to create a platform. From elevator pitch to public narrative – see seven tools that drive clarity, confidence, and conversions.
Top 10 social posts of 2022.
Why your website strategy is missing the mark.
A website is the most critical comms channel for any social venture. But it’s commonly a disastrous afterthought. Remember 1-3-5-7-9 for the elements that matter most: one call-to-action, three audience goals, five sitemap pages, seven homepage sections, $9,000 maximum budget.
The best story wins. Here’s how to write one.
Focus to flourish: the secret ingredient for impact.
How visionary is your vision statement?
Setting KPIs that drive impact.
The second (overlooked) side of communications: interpersonal.
Avoiding the painful pitfalls of annual planning.
The quick guide to effective & easy proposals.
What is a brand?
Our new visual identity & character: the fighter Sage.
Rebuilding stronger in a crisis.
Revenue ideas in a crisis.
Brand management in a crisis.
The curious case of the first-time CEO.
Seven effective leadership styles, plus one to avoid.
Why early-stage ventures can’t ignore brand building.
Building an impact model that drives income.
A conversation on The Business of Giving podcast.
Six steps toward customer & beneficiary understanding.
The 2020 Social Venture Brand Awards.
The best movies about nonprofits on Netflix.
“Mighty Ally goes where no one else is willing, in support of partners and challenging ideas. They’re unicorns in their ability to perfectly blend facilitating, coaching, and direct implementing.”
MOLLY BURKE, CYCLE CONNECT